Thursday, October 1, 2009
I am my Beloved's & my Beloved is Mine
Ok... The blog was a bit of a failure, but the Wedding was a success! I think this only legitimizes my blograstination. Just imagine: If I spent just one extra minute blogging about the details, I would have missed something that enhanced the day.
It was a long way to get to September 20th, but the goals were met. I truly felt everyone had a great time. Even the coordinator at Blue Hill was impressed. Just to capture the essence of the day, I will share some of the wonderful comments I received:
I really enjoyed every minute of this wonderful day. It began when I saw my ladies finely dressed and coifed by Stacy Pitt. We had flawless makeup by Michelle Larner. Seeing Jose get choked up during the ceremony.... who knew he was so emotional!
It was a long way to get to September 20th, but the goals were met. I truly felt everyone had a great time. Even the coordinator at Blue Hill was impressed. Just to capture the essence of the day, I will share some of the wonderful comments I received:
"... this is by far the classiest wedding, I have ever been to... "
"... this is what I dream my wedding to be..."
"...i haven't stopped smiling all day..."
"... it just keeps getting better and better..."
"... taste level is through the roof ..."
"...your eye for detail is amazing..."
- and my personal favorite -
"... you are such a chic bride ..."
I really enjoyed every minute of this wonderful day. It began when I saw my ladies finely dressed and coifed by Stacy Pitt. We had flawless makeup by Michelle Larner. Seeing Jose get choked up during the ceremony.... who knew he was so emotional!
I kid... but seriously... who knew.
Seeing my old friends watching us take photographs from the courtyard.
THE FOOD... pictures will be shared. Elegant presentation and incredibly fresh flavor. My mom ate tomatoes and zucchini. That's how you know the food was phenomenal.
The Casbah Trio complemented the event so well. They were so cool. Check them out at BOOM, Friday Nights.
Anyway... the photos speak for themselves... Jordan Van Aken is a true visionary and I think our partnership will result in amazing portraits.
Thank you all for coming and most importantly, for enjoying. Really made the madness worthwhile.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sneak Peeks + Praise
Those lucky few receiving invitations will be receiving a little bit of our blood, sweat, and tears.... LITERALLY. I really wanted to utilize everyone's talents around me and what made this experience truly meaningful (and stressful) is incorporating everyone's input and expertise.
Here is a small moment to acknowledge everyone's contribution:
Dad/Nana- Without their generousity this would NOT be possible AT ALL.
Mother- Honey-pouring, Message-relaying, Alteration Master, Fabric Cutter, Invitation Assembler... Seriously there is NOTHING she won't do for me.
Anna- When it comes to graphics, we are interchangeable! But ultimately, when I am down she knows a steamy vanilla custard will cheer me up.
Annie- Anybody that takes me every phone call is a true friend. She has a 99% attendance record and more loyal than a lobster.
Katherine- She man's the printers and buys me honey.
... last but not least...
Jose, my loving and dedicated fiance, without your continued patience and love, we would not be here. Thanks for supporting me and constantly trying to be out of the box. You inspire me.
... But really that's my point...
you and so many others have inspired this wedding.
Here is a small moment to acknowledge everyone's contribution:
Dad/Nana- Without their generousity this would NOT be possible AT ALL.
Mother- Honey-pouring, Message-relaying, Alteration Master, Fabric Cutter, Invitation Assembler... Seriously there is NOTHING she won't do for me.
Anna- When it comes to graphics, we are interchangeable! But ultimately, when I am down she knows a steamy vanilla custard will cheer me up.
Annie- Anybody that takes me every phone call is a true friend. She has a 99% attendance record and more loyal than a lobster.
Katherine- She man's the printers and buys me honey.
... last but not least...
Jose, my loving and dedicated fiance, without your continued patience and love, we would not be here. Thanks for supporting me and constantly trying to be out of the box. You inspire me.
... But really that's my point...
you and so many others have inspired this wedding.
Save the Date
Now that the Save-The-Dates have been mailed, I won't be ruining the surprise when I show off my hardwork below. I used a great letterpress printer in Brooklyn, Coeur Noir, reccommended by "A Farm Fresh Wedding."
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Pleasant Pause (From the Wedding Planning)
So this is not related to the wedding, but it sure is cute.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Holy Smokin' Metal Batman!
OMFG!
I am an advocate that endless internet searching will lead you to the promised land... eventually. Perhaps it was pure ridiculous luck, but on my 1435th search for airfare & hotel rates for my honeymoon I came across an anomaly in the matrix. Could Kayak be lying?
As most of you know, I have been debating all-inclusive or luxury resort, a dominating 2K budget and a fiance who can eat several small babies at one meal ultimately tipping the scales.
Anyway despite all of my desires to stay at Rosewood and their ridiculous great EBB offer ($150 Spa Credit, $150 Dining Credit, Full Breakfast Daily, Private Plunge Pool) I just couldn't justify spending that much money or counting my cocktails to stay within the budget.
So Excellence was offering 15% off rates in the Fall and I knew there would be no additional charges on my 115th drink... so I made a reservation, but still I remained unsatisfied with the total pay out and the room category. The search continues....
So yesterday on Kayak Hotels... I saw my same room at a dramatically reduced rate of $250 per night down from $423 throught GTA Hotels. Utter disbelief has set in, my hand is on auto pilot, I go to click on the link.
OMFG... it's for real. Not only that the two story suite is only $311. Wait.... It is refundable within 9 days of arrival without penalty. Just to verify I called customer service and it is legit.
I am an advocate that endless internet searching will lead you to the promised land... eventually. Perhaps it was pure ridiculous luck, but on my 1435th search for airfare & hotel rates for my honeymoon I came across an anomaly in the matrix. Could Kayak be lying?
As most of you know, I have been debating all-inclusive or luxury resort, a dominating 2K budget and a fiance who can eat several small babies at one meal ultimately tipping the scales.
Anyway despite all of my desires to stay at Rosewood and their ridiculous great EBB offer ($150 Spa Credit, $150 Dining Credit, Full Breakfast Daily, Private Plunge Pool) I just couldn't justify spending that much money or counting my cocktails to stay within the budget.
Seriously, I have been counting my drinks
since I have been planning my wedding.
I gotta tell you, with recent events,
its not the time to be stingy on the alcohol.
since I have been planning my wedding.
I gotta tell you, with recent events,
its not the time to be stingy on the alcohol.
So Excellence was offering 15% off rates in the Fall and I knew there would be no additional charges on my 115th drink... so I made a reservation, but still I remained unsatisfied with the total pay out and the room category. The search continues....
So yesterday on Kayak Hotels... I saw my same room at a dramatically reduced rate of $250 per night down from $423 throught GTA Hotels. Utter disbelief has set in, my hand is on auto pilot, I go to click on the link.
OMFG... it's for real. Not only that the two story suite is only $311. Wait.... It is refundable within 9 days of arrival without penalty. Just to verify I called customer service and it is legit.
Honeymoon Suite is RESERVED.
What's even weirder, I have gone back to the site and I can't get the same rate anymore. Total glitch in the system.Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Amazing Wedding Cakes, Part II
Our engagement party was fantastic! Jose and I had a great time entertaining our family, friends, and one other nefarious character, Jenny Ho, a very angry Chinese woman in the green sweater dress.
After going back and forth with Frances on the canape menu for our event we finally decided on the following appetizers:
After going back and forth with Frances on the canape menu for our event we finally decided on the following appetizers:
Tailor-Made Hot Wings w/ Blue Cheese Crumble
Waylon Brisket Sliders Squash
Spring Rolls w/ Raisin Puree
Herbed Goat Cheese on Toast w/ Honey
Curry Dusted Popcorn
Champagne Toast
(Tailor Restaurant, 525 Broome Street)
The general con census was the food was great. The sliders and goat cheese appetizers were the group favorites.
And here comes the cake... a 3ft tall chocolate tree holding the most enormous beehive complete with buzzing bees, dripping honey and a carved heart with the initials J+Z. It was beyond amazing. Just let Lauri work her magic and its impossible to be disappointed. Go Cake Alchemy. It was really awesome.
The taping went smoother this time and I think spoke articulately, with a touch more elegance than the consultation, however poor Jose was nervous. He is such a cutie. He isn't as tough as he seems. I love my worker bee! However I think we are done with reality tv... it's just not our medium!
Waylon Brisket Sliders Squash
Spring Rolls w/ Raisin Puree
Herbed Goat Cheese on Toast w/ Honey
Curry Dusted Popcorn
Champagne Toast
(Tailor Restaurant, 525 Broome Street)
The general con census was the food was great. The sliders and goat cheese appetizers were the group favorites.
And here comes the cake... a 3ft tall chocolate tree holding the most enormous beehive complete with buzzing bees, dripping honey and a carved heart with the initials J+Z. It was beyond amazing. Just let Lauri work her magic and its impossible to be disappointed. Go Cake Alchemy. It was really awesome.
The taping went smoother this time and I think spoke articulately, with a touch more elegance than the consultation, however poor Jose was nervous. He is such a cutie. He isn't as tough as he seems. I love my worker bee! However I think we are done with reality tv... it's just not our medium!
...more photos coming soon...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Amazing Wedding Cakes, Part I
Last Wednesday Jo' and I did a taping for Amazing Wedding Cakes, a tv show on WE aka Women's Entertainment. Being a reality tv star still requires some level of acting and/or talent. We are not effervescent-energetic people. In fact that's something I love about us-- 80% of the time we share the same chill disposition just looking for a hot time at home rather than in the club.
Anyway it was tre uncomfortable and quiet. It was more low key than I thought it would be but hey that's 'reality.' It's not really entertaining unless you are one of those silicon sticks on Rock of Love Bus-t Tour.
I am starting to think my choice of attire was a bad idea. Maybe I am just nervous to be seen by 1000's of people. I had on my favorite deep-purple/aubergine blouse from B.REP, leggings, and tall black boots. What if my thighs look huge... oh man. Again, maybe not the smartest clothing choice, but then again maybe it will be HOT.
The most confusing portion of this filming/taping/whatever was the 'confessional.' I was very nervous and I think very inarticulate (yes! more than usual). The Producer was asking me questions in the most round-about way I had to ask her to repeat herself several times. What the hell was she talking about?
It wasn't until I was completely frustrated and pissed off did I provide them with what I thought was the most useful material of the day. Go figure... Zena... Pissed off... and frustrated... makes me au natural.
Actually that is not that surprising at all.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Zena, the Crazy Contract-Closing Diva
I booked a Day-of Coordinator at a GREAT rate. What a relief!
Lisa Scully-Glace from Elite Affairs LLC will be managing all my crises on September 20th.
www.eliteaffairsllc.com
Lisa Scully-Glace from Elite Affairs LLC will be managing all my crises on September 20th.
www.eliteaffairsllc.com
Not all it's Wang'ed up to be!
As brides, we usually fall prey to the glory of Vera Wang. A picture of her resides on the desks of wedding planners across the globe. We pay homage to her at the beginning of wedding season and then quickly we are brought back to reality when you encounter the rudeness of the staff in the Bridesmaids salon. For the cost of those satin & silk twill gowns, we should be offered caviar and champagne upon arrival.
We don't know when, but I am sure it would have gone unnoticed if we didn't speak to a manager.
I would also enjoy a day at VW that isn't overbooked. In my three visits, our consultant is always overbooked and doesn't have the brain capacity to deal with her bridal parties. They are walking-talking bobble heads in black dresses.... except for Riley. Request her if you make an appointment.
Let's just hope now the dresses are decently made.
"Miss, can I offer you some of
Vera Wang's Sparkling water
to go with your $300 dress.
She bottles it herself on the premises."
Unfortunately, that fantasy doesn't come true for me and my 5 bridesmaids. Luckily for us all, we received a 20% discount and a price reduction on the dress that occurred ... that occurred... that occurred....Vera Wang's Sparkling water
to go with your $300 dress.
She bottles it herself on the premises."
We don't know when, but I am sure it would have gone unnoticed if we didn't speak to a manager.
I would also enjoy a day at VW that isn't overbooked. In my three visits, our consultant is always overbooked and doesn't have the brain capacity to deal with her bridal parties. They are walking-talking bobble heads in black dresses.... except for Riley. Request her if you make an appointment.
Let's just hope now the dresses are decently made.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Through the Wire
I started this blog with several goals:
- to provide thoughtful content to other brides... because naturally I have mass global reach.
- keep a running log of the entanglements I get into with other vendors... but surprisingly most of my interactions have been civil... except for one Florist. She was a mess with a crazy bun cocked to one side and a weird 80's scrunchy holding it all together.
- a memoir of the engagement year.
I have a bit of time to be reflective and I am just disappointed I haven't been able to follow through with my intentions. In all fariness, I don't really have that much time and most of you don't read. ;-P.
If a tree falls in the forest, do you hear it?
Well my iphone is full with blog ideas and notions of what to throw in at the next write-in. Just continue to be loving and patient friends. The content will appear.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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